Imagine having real-time visibility into the pulse of global trade. What transformations could effective collection, analysis, and utilization of massive data bring to customs administration? The World Customs Organization (WCO) is actively exploring this potential, with data strategy emerging as a central focus during recent discussions at the 235th/236th sessions of the Permanent Technical Committee (PTC).
The hybrid meeting, attended by approximately 300 representatives from WCO members, international organizations, private sector, and academia, resulted in consensus on several key instruments aimed at enhancing trade facilitation and addressing emerging challenges. These tools will be submitted to the Policy Commission and Council for approval in June 2022.
Data Strategy: Powering the Future of Customs
Under the "Annual Theme" agenda item, WCO Secretary General Dr. Kunio Mikuriya joined experts from UN Statistics Division, International Trade Centre, and International Network of Customs Universities to examine the draft WCO Data Strategy. Dr. Mikuriya emphasized that the rapid development of digital economies has created vast data resources for all WCO members, noting that data tools are now mature and freely available for implementation.
The PTC gathered valuable feedback to refine the Data Strategy before its June submission. Secretary General Mikuriya assured members of the Secretariat's full support in transitioning toward data-driven models.
Strengthening Collaboration with WTO
Christopher O'Toole, Chair of the WTO Trade Facilitation Committee, presented updates including the first four-year review of the Trade Facilitation Agreement implementation and its relationship with WCO. The longstanding partnership between WCO and WTO was highlighted, particularly through the Mercator Programme established in 2014 to support TFA implementation.
Key Instruments Moving Forward
The Committee endorsed several instruments for June approval, including:
- Updated Disruptive Technologies Study Report
- Railway Guidelines
- Revised Coordinated Border Management Compendium
- Third Edition of E-Commerce Case Studies
- Self-Assessment Checklist for Disaster Management Supply Chain Continuity
- PTC Work Programme 2022-2025
E-Commerce: Balancing Opportunities and Challenges
Under the e-commerce agenda, PTC noted progress in capacity building and awareness activities supporting implementation of the Cross-Border E-Commerce Framework of Standards. The Committee reviewed proposed amendments to the framework's technical specifications and agreed to examine review mechanisms at its next session.
Additional Critical Discussions
The meeting also addressed Customs' role in pandemic response, API/PNR systems, performance measurement mechanisms, and development of a new Time Release Study online system. The Committee welcomed discussions on environmental compliance and greener supply chains in the context of circular economy policies.
At members' request, PTC examined Customs' role in fragile and conflict-affected situations, providing guidance to the Secretariat. The session concluded with the election of new leadership for 2022-2023, with David Saville (UK) as Chair and Ririn Septiani (Indonesia) as Vice-Chair. The next PTC meeting is scheduled for October 24-28, 2022.